Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has officially become a Lebanese citizen. Today, he completed the necessary procedures for himself and his family at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, with the presence of Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, the president of the Lebanese Football Federation, Hashem Haydar, and the federation’s secretary-general, Jihad Al-Shahf. He is set to receive his Lebanese identity card later today.

During the meeting, Infantino presented Al-Hajjar with an official FIFA jersey bearing his name, along with a commemorative gift from the federation. This gesture reflects the depth of their relationship and mutual appreciation. Infantino expressed his love for Lebanon and pride in his visit, affirming his commitment to support Lebanese football and enhance cooperation with the Lebanese Federation. Haydar emphasized the significance of this visit and its role in boosting Lebanon’s presence on the international sports stage.

Infantino is scheduled to hold a series of official meetings, including with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as well as a meeting with Minister of Youth and Sports Nora Berakdarian, before heading directly to the airport tonight to conclude his visit.

Infantino arrived in Beirut for a one-day official visit with his family, where he was received by Haydar, Al-Shahf, and the FIFA representative in Dubai, Issam Al-Suhibani.

During the reception, Haydar presented Infantino with a Lebanese national team jersey featuring his name and the number 9, as a welcoming gesture symbolizing the strong relationship between the Lebanese and international federations.

It is noteworthy that Infantino had previously visited Lebanon in November 2025, where he met with the President of the Republic and was promised Lebanese citizenship, a promise that has now been fulfilled.